This paper first presents a general description of an atmospheric remote sensing method using ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry in spectral measurement & inversion. The method is proposed & analyzed as a possible substitute to radiosondes in the context of three specific applications. First, the method is evaluated for predicting slant path transmittances based on retrieved profiles of temperature & water vapour. The potential of this approach is verified through calculations performed to compare transmittances generated with radiosonde profiles and retrieved profiles. Second, the remote detection of pollutants by FTIR emission spectroscopy usually requires that the background atmospheric contribution be subtracted from measurement, leading to a background-free signature from which mixing ratios can be estimated. An analysis is performed to evaluate the accuracy of computing spectral residuals based on retrieved profiles rather than radiosonde profiles. Finally, ground-based observations of cloud emissions in the infrared leads to investigation of a simple method for estimating the transmittance & apparent temperature of clouds. The method takes advantage of the cloud extinction effects on the ozone emission near 9.6 microns.

This report addresses the transition of research satellites, instruments, and calculations into operational service for accurately observing and predicting the Earth's environment. These transitions, which take place in large part between NASA and NOAA, are important for maintaining the health, safety, and prosperity of the nation, and for achieving the vision of an Earth Information System in which quantitative information about the complete Earth system is readily available to myriad users. Many transitions have been ad hoc, sometimes taking several years or even decades to occur, and others have encountered roadblocksâ€"lack of long-range planning, resources, institutional or cultural differences, for instanceâ€"and never reached fruition. Satellite Observations of Earth's Environment recommends new structures and methods that will allow seamless transitions from research to practice.

Space Remote Sensing Systems: An Introduction discusses the space remote sensing system, which is a modern high-technology field developed from earth sciences, engineering, and space systems technology for environmental protection, resource monitoring, climate prediction, weather forecasting, ocean measurement, and many other applications. This book consists of 10 chapters. Chapter 1 describes the science of the atmosphere and the earth's surface. Chapter 2 discusses spaceborne radiation collector systems, while Chapter 3 focuses on space detector and CCD systems. The passive space optical radiometer and spectrometer systems are presented in Chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 6 elaborates the passive space microwave radiometer systems. Chapters 7 and 8 deliberate the active space lidar systems, active space synthetic aperture radar, and scatterometer systems. The low-earth-orbit large satellite systems and applications are covered in Chapter 9. The last chapter considers the geosynchronous-orbit large satellite systems. This publication is written for scientists, engineers, and seniors or graduate students who are interested in the field of space remote sensing systems.

The impact of anthropogenic activities on our atmospheric environment is of growing public concern and satellite-based techniques now provide an essential component of observational strategies on regional and global scales. The purpose of this book is to summarise the state of the art in the field in general, while describing both key techniques and findings in particular. It opens with an historical perspective of the field together with the basic principles of remote sensing from space. Three chapters follow on the techniques and on the solutions to the problems associated with the various spectral regions in which observations are made. The particular challenges posed by aerosols and clouds are covered in the next two chapters. Of special importance is the accuracy and reliability of remote sensing data and these issues are covered in a chapter on validation. The final section of the book is concerned with the exploitation of data, with chapters on observational aspects, which includes both individual and synergistic studies, and on the comparison of global and regional observations with chemical transport and climate models and the added value that the interaction brings to both. The book concludes with scientific needs and likely future developments in the field, and the necessary actions to be taken if we are to have the global observation system that the Earth needs in its present, deteriorating state. The appendices provide a comprehensive list of satellite instruments, global representations of some ancillary data such as fire counts and light pollution, a list of abbreviations and acronyms, and a set of colourful timelines indicating the satellite coverage of tropospheric composition in the foreseeable future. Altogether, this book will be a timely reference and overview for anyone working at the interface of environmental, atmospheric and space sciences.